London: In these days of two working parents, tightly scheduled children, television and Internet, many may find it a bit difficult to have strong family bond. But, close family ties actually pay, say researchers.
A new study, led by the University of Copenhagen, has, in fact, found that close family ties can help create individuals with "stronger civic virtues" who are also less likely to lie and cheat.
The study, which looked at a wide range of social groups, contradicted previous researches which suggest that the more one is attached to one's family, the less likely one is concerned with "tolerance and justice" outside their group.
Instead, this study indicated that members of tighter family networks promoted more altruistic attitudes through encouraging trustworthiness and a sense of duty, 'The Daily Telegraph' reported.
Martin Ljunge, the study's lead author, said: "I find that family ties are strongly associated with attitudes that are important for building societies with higher mutual respect and fiscal capacity, attitudes I label civic virtues."
He added that those with close family ties were "substantially more disapproving of tax and benefit cheating, corruption, and a range of other activities which involve a personal benefit at the expense of other individuals".
The study, which looked at a wide range of social groups, contradicted previous researches which suggest that the more one is attached to one's family, the less likely one is concerned with "tolerance and justice" outside their group.
Instead, this study indicated that members of tighter family networks promoted more altruistic attitudes through encouraging trustworthiness and a sense of duty, 'The Daily Telegraph' reported.
Martin Ljunge, the study's lead author, said: "I find that family ties are strongly associated with attitudes that are important for building societies with higher mutual respect and fiscal capacity, attitudes I label civic virtues."
He added that those with close family ties were "substantially more disapproving of tax and benefit cheating, corruption, and a range of other activities which involve a personal benefit at the expense of other individuals".
For their study, the researchers analysed evidence obtained from second generation immigrants from 29 countries. In particular, it compared the previous findings of political scientists James Q Wilson and Edward Banfield.
Banfield's research suggests close family ties leads to more parochial behaviour where the family unit exploits others for personal gain. Wilson's studies have found strong family ties help build a better and broader civil society.
Those polled in the latest research were asked to answer whether a range of statements were "always justified, never justified, or something in between".
The statements included cheating on taxes if you have a chance; claiming government benefits to which you are not entitled; avoiding a fare on public transport; paying cash for services to avoid taxes; and throwing away litter in a public place. Those with close family ties were found to have stronger civic attitudes.
Prof Ljunge added: "The results support the idea that tightly knit groups, such as families, can promote habits that may be important for the success of the community."
Banfield's research suggests close family ties leads to more parochial behaviour where the family unit exploits others for personal gain. Wilson's studies have found strong family ties help build a better and broader civil society.
Those polled in the latest research were asked to answer whether a range of statements were "always justified, never justified, or something in between".
The statements included cheating on taxes if you have a chance; claiming government benefits to which you are not entitled; avoiding a fare on public transport; paying cash for services to avoid taxes; and throwing away litter in a public place. Those with close family ties were found to have stronger civic attitudes.
Prof Ljunge added: "The results support the idea that tightly knit groups, such as families, can promote habits that may be important for the success of the community."
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